Otherwise inaccessible iron ore deposits in Western Australia’s Pilbara region will be unlocked at Mineral Resources’ Onslow Iron project using its innovative and proprietary equipment, which promises reduced costs and emissions in bulk commodity transport.
The company says it will use its ‘innovative and proprietary equipment’ to facilitate the Onslow Iron project, formerly known as the Ashburton project.
Mineral Resources Managing Director, Chris Ellison, said the project would be transformational for the state’s resources and construction industries.
“Onslow Iron will be transformational, not just for MinRes but for the State of Western Australia,” Mr Ellison said.
“This project will be the cornerstone of our iron ore strategy to deliver low-cost, long-life operations with project economics that are compelling through commodity price cycles.
“We’re looking forward to delivering thousands of jobs for Western Australians and investing billions in the economy.”
Following receipt of preliminary approvals, project preparations are on track and early construction activities including bulk earthworks have commenced at the Port of Ashburton, south of Onslow.
At the nearby Truck Maintenance Facility, installation of the temporary construction village is underway, with first buildings to be installed from early September.
Mine development activities have also progressed at the Ken’s Bore Deposit, east of Onslow, with construction of the A320-capacity airport and the installation of two camps to support drilling and early construction works.
Recruitment for the construction phase of Onslow Iron is also well underway alongside a continued focus on community and stakeholder consultation.
In line with the project schedule, long-lead items have been ordered including the first transhippers, which will be used to load capesize vessels that will be anchored offshore from the Port of Ashburton.
Each transhipper has a 20,000t capacity, is fully enclosed to avoid dust pollution and has a significantly lower environmental footprint when compared to the major dredging activities that would be required to construct deep water berths at the Port.
Feature Image: Onslow Port construction works – view of the early works and temporary facilities. Photo: Mineral Resources.
